Labour deputy leader Annette King labelled some of the rule breaches 'unacceptable’.

'It's not for me to judge what people do in the privacy of their rooms, but it's not appropriate to use a ministerial credit card to pay for it,' said said.

Government Trade Minister Tim Groser of the National Party has charged alcohol purchases of at least $1,470 NZ dollars (£684) against taxpayer-funded credit cards since he became a minister 18 months ago.

Mr Groser, also the minister for climate change negotiations, was subject to censure from the prime minister's office in May after a complaint by a member of the public about heavy drinking among his trade delegation on a flight from the Middle East.

Prime Minister John Key said this first detailed review of expenses spending had set 'a new level of transparency in this government'.